Topical Bible: Love to Christ: should be Even to Death

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of love for Christ, extending even unto death, is a profound theme in Christian theology and devotion. This love is characterized by an unwavering commitment and willingness to endure suffering, persecution, and even martyrdom for the sake of Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that illuminate this deep and sacrificial love.

Biblical Foundations

1. John 15:13 · "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This verse encapsulates the ultimate expression of love, as demonstrated by Christ Himself. Believers are called to emulate this sacrificial love, which may include laying down their lives for the sake of the Gospel and their fellow believers.

2. Philippians 1:21 · "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The Apostle Paul expresses a profound love for Christ that transcends the fear of death. His life is entirely devoted to Christ, and he views death as a gain because it brings him into the presence of his Savior.

3. Revelation 12:11 · "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death." This passage speaks of the martyrs who, out of love for Christ, did not shrink from death. Their testimony and steadfastness are rooted in their deep love and commitment to Jesus.

Historical Examples

Throughout church history, countless believers have demonstrated their love for Christ even unto death. The early Christian martyrs, such as Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), who was stoned for his faith, exemplify this devotion. Stephen's vision of Christ standing at the right hand of God as he faced death underscores the intimate relationship and love he had for his Savior.

The accounts of martyrs like Polycarp, who refused to renounce Christ despite facing execution, further illustrate this theme. His famous declaration, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and Savior?" reflects a love that surpasses the fear of death.

Theological Implications

The love for Christ that extends to death is not merely an emotional or superficial affection but a profound, covenantal commitment. It is rooted in the believer's understanding of Christ's sacrificial love on the cross and His call to take up one's cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This love is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to endure trials and persecution with joy and hope.

Practical Application

Believers today are called to cultivate a love for Christ that is willing to endure hardship and persecution. This involves daily dying to self, prioritizing Christ above all else, and being prepared to face opposition for the sake of the Gospel. The love for Christ that leads to such sacrifice is nurtured through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers who encourage and strengthen one's faith.

In summary, love for Christ, even unto death, is a hallmark of true discipleship. It is a love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ and is willing to endure all things for His sake.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Death of Christ for his People
... death of Christ unless we understand the person of Christ. ... not misunderstand what
I meant, yet I should be at ... text is taken, "Hereby perceive we the love of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... to his Church once more a fervent love to Christ ... a sweet savor, and is pleased through
Christ the victim to ... not go, for we were feeble, and should have fallen ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm

An Admirable Exhortation of S. Paul to the Ecstatic and Superhuman ...
... did he desire of us but that we should be conformed ... how powerful a consequence is
this in the matter of love! Jesus Christ died for us; by his death he has ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii an admirable exhortation.htm

The Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby
... and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last ... of which is
laid in the blood of christ; which may stedfastly love and faithfully ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the death of christ and.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... a dog had come up from Waterbeach, I should have fed ... if anybody comes from where
Christ is, the Christ who loves ... or Dutch; if the Lord loves them, we love them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Death to Self is the Way Out into a Life of Sacrifice.
... law," and sacrifice is the very life-breath of love. ... of soul among His children that
Christ be formed ... and ripening"is that every seed should carry potential ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the cross/death to self is the.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... does not flow from such genuine and permanent love as our ... Their very blindness and
maniac disposition should call forth the deep ... Such was the spirit of Christ. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

In Him: Like Him
... among men as one moved to vehemence with love: "he was ... foot There is never an idle
hour in the life of Christ. ... not be possible to others that they should do as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

Lama Sabachthani?
... surprising that the holy soul of Christ should shudder at ... must ever have stood on
terms of infinite love. ... than when he was obedient unto death, even the death ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/lama sabachthani.htm

The Divine Dilemma and Its Solution in the Incarnation
... We read in one place: "For the love of Christ constraineth us ... from the dead, even
our Lord Jesus Christ." [12] And ... that by the grace of God He should taste of ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 2 the divine dilemma.htm